Philippine Airways marks eighty fifth yr with new flagship aircraft

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PAL Holdings’ president and COO Lucio Tan III describes the brand new A350-1000 because the anchor of the flag service’s long-haul operations, notably in North America

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airways (PAL) celebrated its eighty fifth anniversary with the disclosing of its latest flagship plane on Saturday, January 17.

PAL took supply of the most recent addition to its fleet, an Airbus A350-1000, on December 20, 2025, making the flag service the primary airline in Southeast Asia and the tenth globally to function this plane.

PAL’s A350-1000 is configured in a three-class structure that may accommodate 382 passengers – 42 for enterprise class, 29 for premium economic system, and 316 for economic system.

PAL Holdings’ president and COO Lucio Tan III described the most recent member of the airline’s fleet because the anchor of its long-haul operations, notably in North America. To this point, the most recent addition to PAL’s fleet has flown to Bangkok, Hong Kong, and New York.

“For us, this plane stands as a strong image of our resurgence. It represents our confidence to compete globally whereas remaining deeply rooted in who we’re as Filipinos,” he mentioned.

Tan additionally regarded again at PAL’s storied 85-year historical past, from being the primary Asian airline to cross the Pacific in 1946 to the rebuilding of its operations when journey was put to a halt as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

“Just like the Philippine flag, we’ll proceed to face tall and powerful because the nationwide service and premier airways of the Philippines. The Philippines is Philippine Airways, and Philippine Airways is the Philippines,” Tan mentioned, quoting his grandfather, tycoon Lucio Tan Sr.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. famous that the A350-1000’s unveiling highlighted the significance of holding tempo with the aviation business.

He additionally vowed that his administration will proceed to work in the direction of modernizing the Philippines’ aviation community, touting ongoing initiatives such because the enlargement of the Laguindingan Worldwide Airport, the Bohol-Panglao Airport, and the Caticlan Airport. Marcos additionally inspired the non-public sector to work with the federal government in enhancing the native aviation sector.

“Whereas airways transfer individuals, the federal government ensures that these pathways stay robust and clear,” Marcos mentioned.

The plane unveiled throughout Saturday’s occasion is the primary of 9 A350-1000s that PAL ordered from Airbus in 2023. PAL is anticipating 5 extra A350-1000s to reach in 2026, with deliveries set to proceed till 2027. – Rappler.com